Architecture of theatres



1966 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAIS 3,263,380

ARCHITECTURE OF THEATRES Filed Dec. 24, 1963 I 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 ZJ M 5W Aug. 2, 1966 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAIS 3,263,330

ARCHITECTURE 0F THEATRES Filed Dec. 24, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 1956 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAIS 0 ARCHITECTURE 0F THEATRES Filed Dec. 24, 1963 e Sheets-Sheet s Aug. 2, 1966 Filed Dec. 24, 1963 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAIS 3,263,380

ARCHITECTURE OF THEATRES G Sheets-Sheet L 1966 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAlS 3,263,380

ARCHITECTURE 0F THEATRES Filed Dec. 24, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 A 2, 1956 MARCEL-ALAIN BOURBONNAlS 3,263,380

ARCHITECTURE OF THEATRES Filed Dec. 24, 1963 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Arr) United States Patent 3,263,380 ARCHITECTURE 0F THEATRES Marcel-Alain Bourbonnais, 45 Rue Jacob, Paris, France Filed Dec. 24, 1963, Ser. No. 333,062 Claims priority, application France, Jan. 9, 1963, 920,351 14 Claims. (Cl. 52-64) The invention relates to improvements in the architecture of theatres (the word theatre being employed hereinafter in the broad sense embracing theatre hall and halls for public manifestations of any type) and more particularly to the provision of an experimental theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation which permits the adaptation of the configuration of the stage and of the hall to the theatrical work to be interpreted or to the manifestation which is to take place therein.

The classical theatre or the hall in which its orchestra, its tiers or stepped rows and galleries face the stage or are developed in the form of an amphitheatre in front thereof, determines to a large extent the means of expression of the dramatist. The circular theatre in which the stage is in the centre of the hall, as in a circus, offers new possibilities but has not opened the way to varied possibilities.

To .achieve this, it would be necessary to put at the disposal of the dramatist and producers a kind of experimental theatre which is such that the dimensions and shape of the stage and of the hall, their relative position and the relief of their structures can be modified at will in accordance with the desired scenic effects and atmosphere in affording the spectator optimum conditions of atmosphere, visibility, point of view and acoustics for each solution adopted, the latter depending on the work to be interpreted (drama, ancient tragedy, large production play or show, comedy, etc). Such an instrument would inspire and fire the imagination of the dramatist and producer and tend to enrich the possibilities of the theatre.

The object of the present invention is to provide these conditions. It comprises constructing the substructure of the assembly including the hall and the stage, and preferably also the common ceiling, of a homogeneous and contiguous group of identical prisms whose base is an equilateral triangle, said prisms being individually vertically adjustable and the group having in plan the shape of a regular hexagon.

When all the prisms are at the same level, the floor of the hall and the stage constitute a hexagon without any relief and the ceiling constitutes a corresponding plane hexagon, their surfaces forming a sort of mosaic assembly made up of the adjoining equilateral triangles.

When the producer contemplates producing .a theatrical work he outlines in plan the spaces that the stage and hail must occupy and, by judiciously adjusting the height of the prisms, he positions the reliefs he feels are necessary on the stage. This same adjustment in the space provided for the spectators or audience permits even arrangement of the orchestra, the tiers, galleries and gangways etc, in such manner as to create between the spectators and the actors the atmosphere corresponding to the theatrical work to be interpreted. In concentrating the stage in a marginal sector of the hexagon and in raising the hall into an amphitheatre, the producer can reproduce the arrangement of a conventional theater. In

placing the stage in the centre he can provide a circular" theatre. The stage and the hall can interpenetrate, as desired, both as concerns their shapes and their dimensions in plan and the interplay of their reliefs so as to obtain the most suitable scenic effects for the interpretation of the theatrical work under consideration. The same adjustments carried out on the prisms of the ceiling in correlation with those of the floor complete the adaptation of the theatre to the desired atmosphere.

It will be understood that the reliefs of the stage part can act as a support for the stage scenery and the reliefs of the spectator part can be used for placing seats, stairs, ramps, barriers etc.; furthermore, the reliefs of the ceiling can act as supports for the lighting apparatus, the stage machinery and can be employed for placing in position carriers supporting sky pieces, scenery and other equipment.

it is known to construct the substructure of the stage of a conventional theatre of continuous prisms having a rectangular base which are parallel with the footlights of the stage so as to create reliefs on the latter, but the invention differs from this arrangement by the shape of the prisms, the absence of any structure defining a priori the stage from the hall, and the possibility of constructing the stage and the hall ad libitum in accordance with any requirement.

As concerns the equilateral triangular shape of the base of the prisms, it afiords maximum possibilities. The stopped rows of tiers of the hall, while still being defined by straight parallel lines, can place in any of six directions at to each other, corresponding to the six sides of the hexagon, as can be seen from the mosaic assembly of the equilateral triangles. This possibility is an essential condition for enabling the spectator to contemplate the theatrical work, while remaining comiortably seated, with optimum visibility in the position in which the producer has disposed the stage, or the main elements of the latter. This could not be obtained with prisms having a square or rectangular base. The definition of the stepped rows by straight parallel lines is, moreover, a condition imposed by police regulations to insure a rapid evacuation of the hall in the case of accident. This excludes the use of prisms having a hexagonal base.

The hexagonal shape of the theatres is the result of the shape of the prisms. It represents the nearest approach to the circular theoretically ideal shape. The latter would imply the replacement of the prisms by cylinders, which is obviously an unacceptable solution owing to the spaces that would exist between the cylinders and to the difficulties in placing the seats for the spectators.

It has been said that the theatre according to the invention constitutes an experimental theatre. This means that such a theatre can be a convenient instrument for the research of a new shape for the architecture of theatres different from conventional theatres, owing to the experience gained by the producers in producing theatrical works of different types in the theatre according to the invention.

The theatre according to the invention could have of course the typical architecture for normal theatres permitting all the arrangements mentioned he-reinbefore.

As concerns the practical construction of the invention, the vertical adjustment of the prisms of the floor could normally be of the order of six metres. Bearing ing of the driving means for vertically adjusting the prisms.

In plan, the dimensions of the triangles must be such that the centres of adjacent prisms are spaced apart between 0.90 m. and l m. for placing the seats of the spectators and providing the free space that theatre regulations require between the rows of seats.

The prisms must have, as a rule extending over a height for example of 40 cm. a bead covered with wood so that the superstructure is a wood floor and the stepped rows are also of wood. Wood appears to be the best material for the movements of the actors, dancers, ballet, dances etc. and also for the detachable fixing of the trimming and decoration of the stage and hall. As concerns the rest of their height, the prisms are preferably metallic and hollow so as to permit the free passage therethrough if necessary.

The sliding of the juxtaposed prisms relative to each other can be achieved through the medium of pieces of wood secured to the corners of the metallic structure since wood also appears to be the material most suitable for this purpose. However, it could be replaced by plastics materials having a low coefficient of friction.

The individual control of the raising and lowering of the prisms and the maintenance of the latter at the required level can be achieved in various ways. Thus, in particular each prism could be mounted on a lead-screw which is rotatably mounted in a thrust bearing and engaged with a nut rigid with the prism, the rotation of the lead-screw being produced manually or by a motor through suitable gears.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the ensuing description to which the invention is in no way limited.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a theatre according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view, with parts cut away, of

this theatre and of the building in which it is situated;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are detail views, respectively, of the raising and lowering mechanisms for the prisms and the construction of the framework of the latter, and

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective partial views of three possible arrangements of the stage oifered by the theatre according to the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a broad description will be given of the construction of the theatre according to the invention.

The theatre proper is at the centre of a larger building 1 in which are provided its outbuildings or offices and the halls for various cultural activities, the building 1 being therefore a cultural centre. The theatre is thus surrounded by the various levels 2 of this building and at the upper part by a wall 3 on which rests the roof 4 of the building. The space 5 between the inner edge of the levels 2 or the wall 3 and the wall of the theatre is hollow and forms a hollow ring in which are disposed the various means for gaining access to the theatre, as will be explained hereinafter.

The essential part of the structure of the theatre is composed of two groups 6 and 7 of identical and continuous prisms disposed one above the other and adapted to form respectively the floor and the ceiling of the hall.

The construction of the group 6 will first be described. The straight prisms a forming this group, which is for example 9 m. high, have an equilateral triangular base whose side measures for exampl 1 m. The continuous assembly of the prisms a define in plan a regular hexagon A B C D E F (FIG. 1) corresponding to the contour of the theatre around which the ring 5 extends. The latter is itself defined externally in plan by a regular hexagon owing to the shape of the levels 2 and wall 3.

The prisms a are vertically movable independently of each other by mechanisms 8 which will be described in detail hereinafter and are disposed in the basement 9 of the building 1. When the prisms a are in their lowest position, their top is on a level with the ground floor 2a of the building. In their top position, they project a distance of 6 m. above this ground floor and remain in contact at their base over a minimum height of 3 In. so that the group 6 retains sufficient rigidity. Between these two extreme positions of the prisms, each prism a can occupy any intermediate position. It is thus possible to shape or model the floor of the theatre so as to adapt it to the needs of the theatrical work to be interpreted, to provide any desired site or one or several stages, and the tiers or stepped rows for the spectators. For example, FIG. 2 shows the stepped rows 10 surrounding the stage, a podium 11, and scenery elements 12 formed by prisms a which are raised with respect to the level of the stage.

Countless possibilities are thus available to the dramatist and the producer, three of these possibilities having been shown in FIGS. 57 described hereinafter.

The group 7 constituting the ceiling of the theatre is composed of prisms 11 having the same sectional shape and the same assembly as prisms a. However, they could be lighter than the prisms a since they support much less load. Consequently, their raising and lowering mechanism can also be simpler. Thus the prisms b can be suspended by racks 13 from beams 14 mounted above the grid 15 over which the stage hands can move for shifting the prisms [1. Consequently, the ceiling can be shaped in the same way as the floor so as to match the r lief of the latter and provide optimum acoustic condi tions.

In the bottom position, the base of the prisms b is located 6 m. above the floor of the building. The prisms b can therefore be made to rest on the prisms a in the uppermost position of the latter. This possibility is moreover employed for forming the lateral wall of the theatre as can be seen at 16 in FIG. 2. For this purpose it is sufficient to bring to the uppermost position the prisms a whose faces define the hexagon A B C D E F and, if desired, the adjacent prisms a, and bring to the lowermost position the homologous prisms b of the group 7. It will be understood that it is necessary to provide openings 17 in the lateral wall thus formed to permit access to the theatre. For this purpose, some of the homologous prisms b of the group 7 are not completely lowered as shown at 18 in FIG. 2. The spectators can gain access to the theatre hall through the opening 17 from the levels 2 in passing through the ring 5 by means of the movable gangways 19. As concerns the actors, lifts 20 are provided which permit them to gain access to any selected level of the stage through other openings 17.

FIG. 1 gives an idea of the arrangement of the gangways 19 and the lifts 20 around the hollow ring 5. Note that the levels 2 include sliding doors 21 at their inner edge so as to separate the building 1 from the hall of the theatre in the parts not used for gaining access to the hall or allowing entry of the actors. Owing to this arrangement, it is possible to modify the architecture of the hall without need to provide fixed levels for access of the actors and spectators.

There will now be given a more detailed description, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, of an embodiment of the prisms a and their control mechanism 8.

In this embodiment, each prism a is composed of a metal framework comprising uprights 22 which are braced at different levels by cross-members 23. Each upright ea 22 is formed (FIG. 4) of two L-shaped members 24 turned toward each other and welded to a plate so that the angle of their outer flanges is 60. The cross-memibers 23 are also composed of L-shaped members Welded to the inner flanges of the members 24 and interconnecting, at different levels, the upright 22 on each side of the equilateral triangle.

Thus, cross members 23a are placed at the base of the framework and cross-members 23b, 23c and 23d are provided at 3 m., 6 m. and 9 m. respectively from this base. Secured to the cross-members 23d is a wood flooring 26 and wood coverings 26a joined to this flooring are secured to the lateral faces of the framework to the vertical extent of about 40 em. The framework between the cross-members 23a and 23b is reinforced by struts 27.

In order to facilitate the sliding between the prisms, the outer flanges of the members 24 constituting the uprights 22 are covered throughout their length below the coverings 26a with wood strips 28 secured by screws 29, these strips thus forming the corners of the prisms a which project from the metal framework. Any rubbing between the prisms a when they undergo relative movement is consequently restricted to these strips. Further, on the part thereof likely to be seen 'by the spectators, the frameworks can be covered by lateral panels 30 secured by screws 29. It will be observed that these panels are set back relative to the strips 28 so that no rubbing occurs on these panels.

Owing to this arrangement, prisms a are obtained which have a rigid light structure and afford maximum possibilities. The wood flooring 26 offers an excellent surface for the movements of the actors and dancers and for receiving the spectators. It can, furthemore, be very easily covered in a detachable manner with fabrics, padding etc. and the same is true of the coverings 26a forming the risers of the steps.

The panels 30, which are also detachable, can be selected in accordance with the scenery to be obtained when the prisms a serve as scenery elements. The panels 30 can moreover be removed on the part of the prisms a which is not visible so as to facilitate the circulation of the stage hands through these prisms and even on the visible part thereof when the prisms a act as elements of the scenery in which openings are required.

For the purpose of supporting the prisms a and permitting their vertical movement, each prism a is mounted on a lead-screw 31. This screw is rotatably mounted at its base in a thrust bearing 32 and extends through two bearings 33 secured at the centre of the triangles formed by the cross-members 23a and 230 and through a screw 24 secured to the centre of the triangle formed by the crossmembers 2312.

Above the thrust bearing 32 a worm wheel 35 is keyed on the lead-screw 31 and is driven by a worm gear 36 rotated by a crank 37. Stage hands circulating in the basement 9 can consequently bring each prism a to the desired level by actuating the cranks 37.

When a plurality of aligned prisms a must be brought to the same height in a durable manner, for example, if in a plurality of consecutive performances these prisms constitute a homogeneous assembly, their worms 36 can be coupled in such manner that the adjustment of these prisms is simultaneous.

It will be understood that the cranks 37 can be replaced by electric motors.

There will now be examined with reference to FIGS.

5-7, some of the possibilities offered by the theatre according to the invention. In these figures, only the group 6 of the prisms a has been shown for the sake of clarity.

FIG. 5 shows the construction of a theatre hall in the form of an amphitheatre. On the periphery is located the lateral wall 38 of the hall formed by the prisms a whose faces define the hexagon A B C D E F. From five of the faces of the wall 38 descend the tiers or stepped rows 39 formed by suitably stepped prisms a which partially encompass the stage 40. The latter extends from the sixth face of the wall 38. This stage is formed by prisms a maintained in their lowermost position.

FIG. 6 illustrates the embodiment of a circular theatre.

The lateral wall 41 of the hall is formed by the prisms at whose faces define the hexagon A B C D E F and by the immediately adjacent prisms. The wall 41 is thus flat and not of the saw-tooth type as is the wall 38 shown in FIG. 5. A peristyle 42 extends along the wall 41, the columns 43 thereof being formed by prisms a which are evenly spaced apart and raised above their neighbouring prisms. The tiers or stepped rows 44 which encompass all sides of the hexagonal stage 45, extend from these columns.

FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of a new form of theatre permitted by the invention.

The lateral wall 46 is constructed in part as shown in FIG. 5 and in part as shown in FIG. 6, namely it comprises flat parts and saw-tooth parts. Openings are also shown at 47 in this wall which permit access to the level of the stage 48 for the spectators so that they can take their seats on the stepped rows 49, or for the actors during the performance. Note the irregular shape of the stage 48 which extends from the openings 47 to the opposite side of the wall 46 and has between these two elements a complex polygonal shape defined by the tiers 49. The spectators consequently feel that they are in the very centre of the theatrical action. Provided on the part of the stage 48 opposite the openings 47 which constitute the main place of the action, is scenery formed by the raised prisms a. For example, columns 50 and a hexagonal podium 51 are provided.

It is therefore clear from the foregoing that the theatre according to the invention has many possibilities, its architecture being highly variable to suit the requirements of the work to be interpreted. It is in fact the theatre which is modeled to suit the work and not the work which is adapted to the limitations of the theater. Thus, it is possible to imagine a dramatist, a producer and a decorator reading for the first time -a theatrical Work to be interpreted on the floor of the theater constituted by all the prisms a at their lowermost position. They plan the theatrical space, shape it and in short adapt it to the theatrical work as they read the latter, allowing their imagination free play, merely by displacing the prisms a.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described therein, many modifications and changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, the raising and lowering mechanisms for the prisms a and b described can be replaced by other mechanisms. Further, although the invention has been described in respect of a theatre it will be understood that it applies equally well to any hall for receiving public, cultural, religious, political or sporting manifestations, exhibitions or the like.

Having now described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan.

2. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan and a superstructure constituting a ceiling extending over the substructure, the superstructure including a second group of assembled contiguous identical prisms which is identical to the first group as concerns shape, size and disposition and is disposed in vertical alignment with the first group, the prisms of the second group being vertically adjustable independently of each other.

3. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan and a superstructure constituting a ceiling extending over the substructure, the superstructure including a second group of assembled contiguous identical prisms which is identical to the first group as concerns shape, size and disposition in plan and is disposed in vertical alignment with the first group, the prisms of the second group being vertically adjustable independently of each other, the prisms of the first and second being adjustable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position such distances that when the prisms of the first group are in their uppermost position and the prisms of the second group are in their lowermost positions, the bottoms of the prisms of the second group are in contact with the tops of the prisms of the first group, the prisms of both groups being in vertical alignment with each other.

4. A theatre as claimed in claim 3, wherein the peripheral prisms defining the hexagonal shape of the second group are adjusted in their lowermost position and the corresponding prisms of the first group are in their uppermost position, whereby a peripheral lateral wall is formed defining the interior of the theatre.

5. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan, the theatre further comprising a building extending round the substructure, the building having a plurality of vertically spaced floors which are in spaced relation to the first group of prisms in plan so that an annular space is interposed between the first group and the floors, lifts disposed in the annular space to enable the actors to gain access to any floor, and detachable gangways bridging the annular space between said floors and the first group of prisms to permit access of the spectators to the hall of the theatre from said floors.

6. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan and a superstructure constituting a ceiling extending over the substructure, the superstructure including a second group of assembled contiguous identical prisms which is identical to the first group as concerns shape, size and disposition in plan and is disposed in vertical alignment with the first group, the prisms of the second group being vertically adjustable independently of each other, the prisms of the first and second being adjustable between an uppermost position and a lowermost position such distances that when the prisms of the first group are in their uppermost position and the prisms of the second group are in their lowermost positions, the bottoms of the prisms of the second group are in contact with the tops of the prisms of the first group, the prisms of both groups being in vertical alignment with each other, the peripheral prisms defining the hexagonal shape of the second group being in their lowermost position and the corresponding prisms of the first group being in their uppermost position whereby a lat eral peripheral wall is formed defining the hall of the theatre, some of said peripheral prisms being in vertically spaced relation to each other so as to provide openings aflFording access to said hall, the theater further comprising a building extending round the substructure and superstructure, the building having a plurality of verti- 8 cally spaced floors which are in spaced relation to the groups through said openings of prisms in plan so that an annular space is interposed between the groups through said openings and the floors, lifts disposed in the annular space to enable the actors to gain access to any floor, and detachable gangways bridging the annular space between said floors and the first group of prisms to permit access of the spectators to the hall of the theatre from said floors.

7. A theatre as claimed in claim 6, wherein sliding walls are provided on said floors adjacent the annular space to close off the latter from the floors.

8. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan, each prism comprising a prismatic metal framework which is hollow, and panels detachably secured to and partly covering the framework.

9. A theatre as claimed in claim 8, wherein the framework of each prism has a top face and a wood flooring secured to the top face, the prism further comprising wood panels adjoining the wood flooring and extending down the three sides of the prismatic framework a distance of about 40 cm.

10. A theatre as claimed in claim 8, wherein the side of the equilateral triangular base of each prism measures about 1 metre, the height of the prisms of the first group is about 9 metres, 6 metres of which are capable of projecting above other prisms in their lowermost positions.

11. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprisiug a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan, each prism comprising a prismatic metal framework which is hollow, and panels detachably secured to and partly covering the framework, a lead-screw extending through the framework and screwthreadedly engaged in a nut rigid with the framework, a thrust bearing mounted on the ground, the lead-screw being rotatably mounted in the bearing, and means operatively connected to the lead-screw for rotating the lead-screw and thereby vertically adjusting the prism.

12. A theatre as claimed in claim 11, wherein said means comprise a worm wheel keyed to the lead-screw and a worm gear engaged with the worm wheel and mounted on the thrust bearing, a crank being secured to the worm gear.

13. A theater having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being vertically adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan each prism comprising a prismatic metal framework which is hollow, panels detachably secured to and partly covering the framework, strips of a non-metallic material having a low coefiicient of friction mounted on the vertically extending corners of the prism and projecting from the framework and from the covering panels, whereby the prisms rub against each other in the course of vertical adjustment only through the medium of said strips.

14. A theatre having multiple possibilities of transformation, comprising a substructure including a first group of assembled contiguous identical prisms having an equilateral triangular base, said prisms being verti cally adjustable independently of each other and said group having a regular hexagonal shape in plan and a superstructure constituting a ceiling extending over the substructure, the superstructure including a second group of assembled contiguous identical prisms which is identical to the first group as concerns shape size and disposi- 3,263,380 9 10 tion in plan and is disposed in vertical alignment with References Cited by the Examiner the first group, the prisms of the second group being vertically adjustable independently of each other, each prism UNITED STATES PATENTS comprising a prismatic metal framework which is hollow, 1,517,774 12/1924 P Y 5210 and panels detachably secured to and partly covering 5 FOREIGN PATENTS the framework, the theatre comprising a building having a roof overlying the superstructure and means for ver- 370166 1923 Germany tically adjusting the prisms of the second group, said means including a rack all connected to each prism of the second group and suspended from the roof.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

10 I. E. MURTAGH, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A THEATRE HAVING MULTIPLE POSSIBILITIES OF TRANSFORMATION, COMPRISING A SUBSTRUCTURE INCLUDING A FIRST GROUP OF ASSEMBLE CONTIGUOUS IDENTICAL PRISMS HAVING AN EQUILATERAL TRIANGULAR BASE, SAID PRISMS BEING VERTICALLY ADJUSTABLE INDEPENDENTLY OF EACH OTHER AND SAID GROUP HAVING A REGULAR HEXAGONAL SHAPE IN PLAN. 